The story of Nataraja is about the Hindu god Shiva performing a cosmic dance. In this form, Shiva is known as Nataraja, meaning “King of Dance.” In Hindu mythology, there is a demon named Apasmara, who represents ignorance and ego. Apasmara was granted immortality and could not be killed by any weapon. Using his powers, he created chaos and terror, troubling the Gods. They approached lord Shiva to seek a way to restore balance. In response, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a powerful cosmic dance, taking the form of Nataraja. During this dance, Shiva trapped Apasmara under his foot. This cosmic dance is believed to have occurred in Chidambaram in South India. Consequently, the form of Nataraja symbolizes the creator, destroyer, the triumph over evil, and the cosmic form of Shiva.
Chola Dynasty Influence On Nataraja Worship And Art
The earliest Nataraja idol found is from the Chola Dynasty (9th to 13th centuries CE) in South India. The Chola rulers, renowned for their patronage of art and architecture, were also great devotees of Lord Shiva. Their support played a crucial role in the development and proliferation of Nataraja imagery. Today, a major temple dedicated to Nataraja, where Shiva performs his cosmic dance, is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Additionally, many temples in South India feature Nataraja idols, reflecting the continued worship and veneration of this divine form.
There are various versions of the Nataraja idol, each depicting Shiva in a different form of Tandava.
Different Types of Nataraja Idol
Nataraja In Ananda Tandava
Ananda Tandava, also known as the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, symbolizes creation and destruction, birth and death. In this dance, Shiva is depicted with four arms. His right hand at the back holds a damaru, symbolizing creation, while his left hand at the back holds a fire, representing destruction. His right hand at the front is in abhaya mudra, symbolizing protection and salvation, and his left hand at the front points to his raised foot, symbolizing the path of salvation. Ananda Tandava has inspired classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and sculpture in ancient temples. It represents the dynamic aspect of the eternal dance of the cosmos.
Nataraja in Sandhya Tandava
Sandhya Tandava signifies the transition between day and night. This form depicts a serene and gentle dance performed by Lord Shiva, characterized by flowing, fluid movements that capture the essence of twilight. In Sandhya Tandava, Lord Shiva is depicted in a specific dance pose, typically involving one foot lifted and the other firmly planted. His left hand at the back holds a peacock feather in a vismaya pose, and his right hand at the back holds a damaru. His left hand at the front is in varada mudra, while his right hand at the front curves downward below the left hand. In the broader context of Nataraja’s dance, Sandhya Tandava represents the divine rhythm of the universe.
Nataraja in Uma Tandava
In Uma Tandava, Uma is the form of Parvati. In the Uma Tandava idol, Shiva has six hands, including those of Goddess Uma (Parvati). The additional two hands hold a trishula and a skull. His right leg sweeps to the right, while his left leg is placed on Apasmara, a dwarf demon symbolizing ignorance and epilepsy. In sculptures and idols, Uma Tandava is often rendered with elaborate details that capture the motion and grace of the dance.
Nataraja in Tripura Tandava
According to Hindu mythology, Tripurasura was a powerful demon who built three cities (Tripura) in the sky, each made of different materials—gold, silver, and iron. These cities were destroyed by Shiva as he performed his cosmic dance, giving rise to the form of Tripura Tandava. In the Tripura Tandava Nataraja idol, Shiva has 16 hands, with the mother goddess on the left and the child Murugan on the right. In essence, Tripura Tandava is a powerful mythological event that highlights Shiva’s role in maintaining cosmic balance through destruction.
Nataraja in Urdhva tandava
The story of Urdhva Tandava is linked to an episode involving Lord Shiva and Kali. According to legend, after killing the demon Daruka, Kali became overly enraged and performed a destructive dance. To pacify her, Lord Shiva performed the Urdhva Tandava, displaying his supremacy in dance and control over cosmic forces. This dance symbolizes the victory of Shiva over evil. In Urdhva Tandava idol Shiva is shown with one leg raised high, symbolizing the upward movement and the dynamic energy of the dance. Devotees view this form of Tandava as a manifestation of Shiva’s supreme energy and his ability to restore harmony amidst chaos.
Nataraja Idol In Modern Times
The Nataraja idol remains a symbol of profound importance today, just as it did in ancient times. Shiva in the form of Nataraja, as the embodiment of universal dance, continues to inspire Bharatanatyam, one of India’s classical dance forms. In Bharatanatyam performances, the image of Nataraja is frequently placed on stage to honor the deity. Moreover, the Nataraja idol is occasionally presented to esteemed Indian classical dancers as a mark of recognition and respect for their exceptional contributions to the art form.
In contemporary times, artists have indeed experimented with various materials for sculptures and statues. However, the style and form of Shiva Tandava have largely remained consistent. Despite significant innovations in the depiction of the Nataraja figure, the essence of Nataraja’s cosmic dance endures, preserving its timeless significance.
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By Shrushti Patel
